Instagram, with its massive user base of over 2 billion monthly active users, offers more than just a platform for social interaction; it presents a significant opportunity to broadcast your talents or business to a vast audience. Achieving viral status on Instagram can transform you into an internet sensation in a remarkably short time.
However, standing out in such a crowded space is no easy feat. In this guide on how to go viral on Instagram, we won’t promise that you’ll become an overnight sensation, but we will give you tips and tricks to increase your chances of success.
Ready to learn the secrets of Instagram virality? Let’s get started!
Definition of Viral Content
In the context of Instagram, a post is considered viral when it rapidly garners significantly more engagement than usual. This includes a higher number of likes, comments, shares, and reposts. The exact numbers can vary based on your typical engagement rates, follower count, and the nature of the content you share. For instance, if your posts typically receive around 100 likes, a post that amasses 1,000 likes and numerous unique views quickly can be considered viral.
To qualify as viral, a post must achieve high engagement quickly and continue to receive interactions over an extended period. This sustained interest is a hallmark of viral content, keeping the post visible and engaging for longer. Engagement benchmarks can vary by industry and audience size. For example, Instagram Reels from accounts with 0 – 5,000 followers have an average engagement rate of 3.79%, which can be considered viral within that range.
Factors Influencing Virality
Several factors determine whether a post will go viral:
- Number of Followers: The more followers you have, the higher the potential for a post to go viral. However, even accounts with fewer followers can achieve virality if the content strongly resonates with the audience.
- Type of Content: Videos, particularly Instagram Reels, tend to receive more engagement. Reels get 22% more engagement than regular video posts and are often featured on the Explore page, increasing visibility.
- Timing: Posting at times when your audience is most active can significantly boost the chances of your content going viral. Utilizing Instagram Insights can help determine the best times to post.
- Audience Preferences: Understanding what your audience likes and how they interact with content is crucial. Tailoring your posts to these preferences increases the likelihood of high engagement.
How to Go Viral on Instagram: 12 Tips & Tricks
Based on the factors influencing virality, we have compiled 12 tips on how to go viral on Instagram.
1. Understand Your Audience
Research and Identify Target Audience Before you post anything, it’s crucial to know who you’re making content for. Your posts should be aimed at a particular group of people – this makes your content more relatable and shareable. Think about who your ideal follower is based on their age, where they live, what they like to do, and other important characteristics.
Analyze Interests, Preferences, and Behaviors Instagram provides tools to help you learn more about what your target audience likes and dislikes and how they behave. Knowing what they interact with and when can help you decide what kind of content to create and the best time to post it.
2. Create High-Quality Content
Use High-Resolution Images and Videos High-quality posts can catch the eye on Instagram, where people quickly scroll through their feeds. Crystal-clear visuals, rich colors, and professional polish stop the scroll, boost engagement, and build brand trust.
Develop a Consistent Visual Style and Theme Having a feed that looks neat and organized can be really pleasing to the eye. It’s also a key part of making your brand easily recognizable. This could mean using the same colors, filters, or overlays consistently.
Incorporate Storytelling Techniques People remember and share great stories. Every post you make should tell a story that pulls people in, whether emotional, funny, or informative. This will make them want to share your content with others.
3. Utilize Hashtags Effectively
Research Popular and Relevant Hashtags Look for hashtags that are popular amongst posts similar to yours. Tools like Social Champ’s hashtag generator can help you see what’s trending right now.
Use a Mix of Broad and Niche Hashtags While general hashtags can help more people find your posts, specific ones can draw in an audience that’s more interested and engaged.
Avoid Using Banned or Unrelated Hashtags Be careful about which hashtags you use. Using banned ones can limit who sees your post, and using ones that don’t match your content can damage your reputation.
4. Engage With Your Audience
Respond to Comments and Direct Messages Promptly Start conversations with your followers by replying to their comments and messages as soon as you can. You can use our Instagram Giveaway Picker to easily and randomly select lucky comments to boost your engagement.
Like and Comment on Other Users’ Posts When you support other creators by liking and commenting on their posts, they might do the same for you. This can help more people see your posts.
Collaborate With Influencers and Brands Teaming up with influencers or brands can help you reach more people and make you seem more credible in your field.
5. Post Consistently and at Optimal Times
Establish a Consistent Posting Schedule Having a set schedule for your posts lets your followers know when to expect new content from you. This can make them more loyal and engaged.
Determine the Best Times to Post Use Instagram analytics to find out when your followers are most active. Try to post at these times to get the most visibility.
Use Instagram Insights to Analyze Post Performance Regularly review your post data in Instagram Insights to understand what’s working, what’s not, and what you might need to change to get better results.
6. Cross-Promote on Other Platforms
Share Instagram Posts on Other Social Media Platforms You can get more people to visit your profile by sharing your Instagram posts on other social media sites and always linking back to your content.
Embed Instagram Content on Website or Blog Adding your Instagram feed to your website or blog can catch the attention of people visiting your site and make them want to follow you.
Collaborate With Other Content Creators Teaming up with other influencers or creators in a related industry can help you reach each other’s followers and find new audiences.
7. Utilize Instagram Stories and Live Videos
Create Engaging and Interactive Stories Use all the features available – like polls, questions, countdowns, and swipe-up links – to create interactive stories that keep your followers returning for more.
Go Live to Connect in Real-Time Live videos let you connect with your followers right away. Plan engaging topics or Q&A sessions to grab and hold their attention.
Use Features Like Polls, Questions, and Swipe-Up Links Adding interactive elements to your Instagram Stories can make your followers feel more connected to your content. It further encourages them to share it.
8. Monitor Trends and Stay on the Pulse
Check Instagram’s Explore Page Often The Explore page is a great place to find trending content. You can use it for inspiration and to keep track of what’s becoming popular.
Join Viral Challenges and Hashtag Campaigns Taking part in viral challenges or starting your own can get your content shared more quickly.
Pay Attention to Current Events and Timely Moments Making posts that relate to current events, holidays, or cultural moments can engage your followers by tapping into what’s on their minds.
9. Recreate Viral Content
Find and Recreate Trending Content Put a unique spin on popular trends and challenges. Create high-quality content that shows your own personality and brand voice and resonates with your audience.
Use Popular Songs and Filters Leverage trending music and effects to enhance content appeal.
10. Evaluate Your Instagram SEO Strategy
Optimize Profile and Posts Ensure your account is discoverable by using relevant keywords and hashtags in profiles and captions.
Update Alt Text with Keywords Enhance discoverability with keyword-rich alt text.
11. Encourage User-Generated Content
Inspire Followers to Share Their Content Run themed campaigns or use hashtags to motivate followers to create content. This increases engagement and gives your brand a genuine and authentic feel.
Repost High-Quality User Content Share follower content to build community and increase engagement.
12. Boost Your Post Reach With Paid Ads
Utilize Instagram’s Paid Promotion Tools Increase post visibility through targeted ads. Paid ads are an easy way to boost your account and may attract genuine followers.
Understand the Impact of Paid Ads Analyze ad performance to refine marketing strategies. Higher follower counts and engagement rates can enhance visibility.
